Experiencing Transcendence

If you look up the word Transcendence on Wikipedia, you find out that there is a whole page of listings that reference this word.  It comes up under philosophy, religion, book titles, various self-help organizations.  In all cases it seems to relate to how one object, being or idea exists or goes beyond another.

If that's too 'head trippy' for you, try my idea. Transcendence is anything that moves me beyond myself in some way.  I experience transcendence when I hear a wonderful piece of music that causes me to think or feel differently.  Transcendence, of course, relates to faith among those who have religious beliefs.  It is a way of talking about a divine being, a creator, a deity.

You don't, however, have to be particularly religious to experience transcendence.  I think we all have such experiences-whether it comes from a connection to the beauty of the natural world, the love of another person, a book or movie that takes you outside of yourself-all these produce change in us, however momentary. 

Sociological studies tell us that the people born after 1960 have less trouble thinking between dimensions (real, fantasy, earthly, heavenly, etc.) than do those of us who are Boomers or older.  And maybe that's so.  But I don't think any of us are limited by age or generation in being capable of experiencing transcendence and reflecting upon it.  Perhaps that's what makes us human.  What do you think?  Who or what is transcendent for you?  I'd love to hear your thoughts.